At least $400 million going to Goodyear plan in 2005

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., Akron, Ohio, expects to contribute $400 million to $425 million to its pension plan this year and $600 million to $775 million in 2006 to maintain an adequate funding level and ensure pension benefit obligation payments, according to the company's quarterly report. The $4.6 billion plan was underfunded by about $3.1 billion as of Dec. 31, according to its most recent 10-K filing. David L. Jesse, director of global benefits financing, did not return calls by press time.